Shortly after I arrived at St. Thomas Aquinas in 2006, an opportunity arose for me to visit Belle-Rivière, Haiti. During the visit I viewed how STA dollars are making a difference in the lives of the people in this rural village. I also witnessed a deep faith and a joy for life that one might not expect among people who seem to have so little. The education of their children offers some measure of hope that the future will improve.

Pere Lucian Exantus was the pastor during my visit. One of his achievements was to add a three-year kindergarten program to the 1-12 education provided in the parish school through your donations. Pere Exantus took a large room which might have been used for parish gatherings and created a space where 98 pink-uniformed youngsters could work with four teachers to begin their education. Following the 2010 earthquake, the walls of this building seemed to have several small cracks. Over a few years these cracks became fissures and crevices. Pere Frednel Louis was forced to close this space. He has presented a plan to construct a new building which costs $47,381. Given what it might cost to build such a structure at STA, this is a bargain.

During my visit I was able to concelebrate mass in St. Jean-Marie Vianney church. The spirit of the people and their joy during the liturgy was a remarkable scene. Pere Frednel shows us that the tin roof of the church is in serious need of replacement. This project is estimated to cost $31,948. This investment will help to keep the walls of the church from deteriorating and creating even a greater request for assistance.

Your dollars in Belle-Rivière are being well used to fulfill Jesus’ exhortation to see the needs of the poor and respond to them. Haiti is a long way from enjoying a life style even remotely similar to what we take for granted. The people of Belle-Rivière are healthier, better educated, and filled with a spirit of hope because of your generosity. Whether you are a regular contributor to the Haiti Fund or not, these projects deserve your attention and consideration.

The Haiti Committee is looking for resources beyond STA to help with these projects. Are you aware of possible sources of assistance that the committee could pursue? In the end, however, we will still be the primary partner with the people of Belle-Rivière. Thank you for helping as much as you can, as you have always done in the past. This is what makes STA such a special place. Jesus lives here!

Fr. Steve